Beyond the family's cooking frequency: The influence of cooking techniques on vegetable and fruit consumption among the U.S. population

Background: Despite the well-established health benefits of fruits and vegetables, U.S. consumption remains far below the WHO's recommended 400 g per day. Understanding how culinary techniques influence intake could elucidate strategies for improving dietary habits.

Objective: To explore whether the use of cooking techniques for fruits and vegetables is associated with increased consumption of these foods and the corresponding variation in total fiber intake among the U.S.

Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010, participants (n = 9754) were categorized into groups based on their self-reported cooking frequency. Cooking techniques were classified into types. The mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was segmented into quartiles. Cooking frequency was evaluated, and differences between groups were assessed using chi-square tests and mean comparison tests. The study also assessed the prevalence of cooking techniques for different food groups. Additionally, linear regression analyses were conducted to adjust the mean daily per capita consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber, considering cooking frequency and other socioeconomic variables as predictors.

Results: The studied population's mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was 302.9 g, with half of this amount consisting of fruits. Individuals from households with frequent cooking practices (≥5x a week) consumed, on average, 48.2 g more fruits and vegetables daily than those from households with less frequent cooking (<5x a week). The use of diverse cooking techniques significantly improved vegetable intake, showing a fivefold increase in consumption among those employing multiple techniques. Moreover, frequent home cooking was associated with a 1.0-g increase in daily fiber intake.

Conclusion: Public policies aimed at improving fruit and vegetable intake among the U.S. population should consider, in addition to cooking frequency, the role of cooking techniques in influencing the consumption of these food groups.